Norstar 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Norstar 40 is defined by its balance. With a displacement of approximately 18,000 lbs and a ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 40%, the boat is notably "stiff," allowing it to stand up to a breeze long after lighter coastal cruisers are forced to reef. Its Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio of 234 places it firmly in the moderate category, ensuring a comfortable motion in a seaway that minimizes the jarring "pounding" often associated with modern flat-bottomed designs.

Under sail, the Norstar 40 benefits from a high-aspect-ratio skeg-hung rudder and a deep fin keel. This configuration provides the maneuverability of a modern fin-keeled boat while retaining the tracking stability and rudder protection required for serious ocean crossings. According to editorial testing by Sailing Magazine, the design is praised for its "peppy" performance, moving efficiently in light airs thanks to a Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio of roughly 17.5. The boat’s handling is frequently described as predictable; it tracks well on a reach and maintains significant momentum through tacks, a characteristic of its Perry-designed hull form.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Norstar 40 reflects its Pacific Northwest heritage, characterized by exceptional joinery and the use of high-quality materials such as hand-rubbed teak and yellow cedar hull ceilings. The builder offered two primary configurations: the classic Nordic 40 layout and a more customized "Norstar Special Edition." The standard arrangement features a traditional V-berth forward, a spacious main salon with a folding dinette, and a dedicated aft cabin with a double berth tucked under the cockpit.

A hallmark of the Norstar version is the updated transom design, which Gary Nordtvedt modified to include a fold-down section, significantly improving water access and dinghy boarding compared to the original Nordic 40’s reverse transom. Throughout the cabin, ventilation is a priority, with numerous opening ports and hatches designed for all-weather cruising. The galley is often cited by owners as a highlight, featuring deep sinks and extensive counter space, optimized for meal preparation while underway. The Norstar 40 also has two notable siblings: the larger Norstar 44, which shares a nearly identical cockpit layout, and the Norstar 46RS, a larger performance-oriented variant designed for serious long-distance voyages.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Norstar 40 and its predecessor, the Nordic 40, occupy a prestigious position in nautical literature and media. Robert Perry has frequently cited the 40-foot hull as one of his most successful designs, achieving a "triumph in every respect" regarding the balance of aesthetics and seaworthiness. The design has been featured in numerous "best of" lists for offshore cruisers, including reviews by Cruising World and Good Old Boat, which highlighted the vessel's transition from the Nordic brand to Norstar as a benchmark for how to successfully modernize a classic design.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Norstar 40 is built to a very high standard, prospective buyers should focus on several technical areas during a survey:

• Mast Step Integrity: There have been occasional reports in owner circles regarding the compression post and mast step area. On older models or those with high ocean miles, the mast step should be inspected for signs of corrosion or settling.
• Deck Core: Like many boats of this era, the Norstar 40 utilizes a balsa-cored deck. While the construction is robust, hardware that was not properly re-bedded over time can allow moisture into the core. A thorough moisture meter test around stanchions and windlasses is essential.
• Chainplate Inspection: The inboard chainplates are well-engineered but can be difficult to access for a full visual inspection. Any evidence of weeping or rust streaks on the bulkheads should be investigated.
• Propane System: The original Norstar build featured a one-piece fuel line from the tank to the range to minimize leaks, but older Nordic versions may have multiple connections that require upgrading to meet modern ABYC standards.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Norstar 40 typically find community within the broader Nordic Yachts owner groups, as the boats share identical hull molds and many technical specifications. The Perry Builders Association remains the primary technical resource for these vessels, offering a repository of design notes and historical context from the designer himself.

The Verdict

The Norstar 40 is a "sailor’s sailboat," designed for those who prioritize build quality and heavy-weather capability over the maximum interior volume found in modern production catamarans or wide-beam cruisers. It remains one of the most respected 40-footers ever built in the United States.

Pros:

• Superior Build Quality: Exceptional fiberglass work and world-class interior joinery.
• Sea-Kindliness: A moderate displacement hull that handles offshore conditions with grace.
• Versatility: Capable of winning club races on Saturday and departing for Hawaii on Monday.
• Modernized Classic: The addition of the drop-down transom solves the biggest drawback of the original 1970s design.

Cons:

• Limited Availability: Rare on the used market due to low production numbers.
• Deep Draft: The 6'6" draft may limit access to some shallow cruising grounds like the Bahamas.
• Complexity: The high-quality teak and cedar interior require diligent maintenance to preserve their value.